Formula E introduces real-time FanBoost

Formula E fans will be able to vote for their favourite drivers after the race has started in season two, with the introduction of a new-look FanBoost procedure.

Formula E Holdings Ltd, the organiser and promoter of the all-electric championship, has announced the new option for the unique interactive fan element.

For season two, fans will be able to cast their votes until six minutes into the race itself. The voting will again be possible via the official Formula E website, albeit for season two participants will be able to also simply use a hashtag on social media sites – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The level of increased power generated by the FanBoost will enhance the car by 100kW, with the total power capped at 200kW.

Drivers will only be allowed to use the extra boost, available for single use in the race, once they have changed to their second race cars after the mid-race pit-stop.

FanBoost voting for the Beijing ePrix, which takes place on October 24, opens on October 12.

The real-time voting engagement will be managed by a specialist media company called Telescope TV, headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

"FanBoost is a uniquely fan engaging element of our series and by being able to vote during the race the level of engagement will increase significantly, creating a real-time relationship between drivers, teams and fans,” said Ali Russell, Director of Media and Strategic Partnerships at Formula E Holdings Ltd.

“We are delighted to partner with Telescope, who have a proven track record in this field, and with their expertise we will evolve the FanBoost concept to become a standard bearer for fan interactivity in sport.”

Jason George, CEO of Telescope, added: “Today’s hyper-connected fans are constantly looking for ways to get ever-closer to their favourite sports. We are proud to partner with Formula E to do just that – granting fans the capability to have a meaningful and exciting impact during a live race.

"These live mechanics have the power to change the face of sports as we know it – turning audiences from passive onlookers to active participants.”

Among Telescope TV’s products are NASCAR’s application allowing fans to vote for their favourite driver and a real-time vote solution for the live shows of The Voice. The company has also worked with clients like Facebook, Twitter, CNN, NBA and Miss Universe.